A SINGULAR APPROACH TO REGULATION

Empowering innovation through responsible regulation of the virtual assets industry.

The Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) is responsible for regulating and overseeing the provision, use, and exchange of virtual assets in and from the emirate of Dubai.

Regulations & Guidelines

VARA Regulations set out a comprehensive Virtual Asset framework.

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License Applications

To apply for a VARA licence all applicants follow a two-step process.

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Public Register

VARA publishes a list of licensed Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASP) in the emirate of Dubai.

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As the world's first independent regulator for virtual assets, VARA serves as a transparent and trusted guiding authority for the emerging world of virtual assets. VARA aims to take its mission global by creating an easy to replicate framework to regulate the industry.

Leveraging expertise from global experts and organisations and collaborating with relevant local financial regulatory authorities, VARA is helping to mitigate risk and facilitate cross-border operations and innovation to enable safe market adoption and growth.
The sustained growth of virtual assets requires robust regulation built on the principles of economic sustainability, consumer protection and cross-border financial security. VARA’s role is to provide a world-leading regulatory framework to protect investors, maintain high levels of risk assurance and facilitate virtual asset innovation in the emirate of Dubai.
VARA plays a vital role in Dubai's digital economy, acting as a trusted regulatory authority for the virtual asset space. By establishing international standards for virtual assets, VARA helps to ensure that Dubai maintains and further strengthens its position as a global leader in the world of digital finance.
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News and announcements

See our latest news and announcements

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17 Nov 2023VARA In The News

MARKET Notice: Market-wide enforcements pick-up pace as final VARA deadline for Virtual Asset Service Provider licensing engagement lapses

This market notice is being issued by Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) to highlight to all industry stakeholders, and consumers that the deadline for VA sector entities to engage in the regula... Read More
16 Nov 2023Press Release

VARA moves to full-market operations with leadership transition - Matthew White to take over from Henson Orser as new CEO

Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) is pleased to announce Matthew White as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead VARA through its next phase of ramp up to full scale market operations th... Read More